SILENT GUARDS

Private Military Contractors

PMCs Are NOT Hired Guns

Private Military Contractors (PMCs) are necessary to fulfill roles that go beyond the scope of the military. But if movies and TV shows are to be believed, PMCs are heartless mercenaries that serve as roadblocks to the protagonist.

This is an unfair representation of PMCs. In reality, PMCs perform multiple tasks to provide their clients with some peace of mind. They are a necessity in places where there are imminent threats

What Do Private Military Contractors Do ?

Let’s start by dispelling a common misconception: PMCs are not hired guns. You cannot hire a PMC to be a mercenary on your behalf. While these contractors would likely have law enforcement or military background and can handle themselves in a firefight, they will not engage in combat unless they or their clients are attacked.

Also, it would be wrong to compare them to personal bodyguards. PMCs are deployed in war-torn locations where the security risks are incredibly high. That is why the requirements to work as a private military contractor are way more stringent. Private military companies have several areas of expertise. Some are related to jobs you’dexpect from former state soldiers while others are more specialized.

Provide Military Support in War Zones

A private military contractor can help an army with strategy, training, and interrogation. One notable instance would be when private security contractors lent the armed forces a hand with their operations in Iraq.

But it’s not just the military. If a civilian—or a group of civilians—need to get from point A to B and there are dangers ahead, military companies would be there to escort them all the way. The same goes for convoys that carry valuable cargo.

Guard Government Buildings and Headquarters

You can also hire private security contractors to defend government buildings and other important structures. These are vulnerable to attacks in times of crisis and you can’t rely on the military to cover all of them.

If your companies span across several private buildings, you can’t ask the police to defend all of them against an attack unless there’s sufficient evidence that you’re being targeted. That’s when you hire a private contractor.

Politicians and dignitaries may also need the assistance of private contractors if theyfind themselves in the crosshairs of ill-intentioned individuals. Their offices will need round-the-clock security to be sure that no harm befalls them.

Repair and Maintain Infrastructure

You can’t expect a civilian repair crew to head out and put their lives in danger to keep pipelines in working order.

That’s why PMCs are used to repair and maintain infrastructure in dangerous locations.

They are more than capable of handling the task and are equipped to deal with any threat they may come into contact with.

A PMC’s role is not limited to these three tasks but these are the most common.

Unlike the military, which has to abide by rules set by the government, PMCs operate just like any privately-owned company. Contractors are treated like any employee and enjoy the same benefits.

Candidates are plucked straight from the military and are offered lucrative deals so they can continue doing what they do best after their life in the army.